The Treetop Spa

"A characterful forest retreat in the heart of County Down, where ancient parkland, skilled hands and genuinely good food combine to quietly restore"

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Part of the Galgorm Collection since 2021 - and named AA Hotel of the Year in 2025 - The Old Inn sits in the village of Crawfordsburn in County Down — just 15 minutes from Belfast and a short drive from the seaside town of Bangor. As well as 33 bedrooms, an AA restaurant and a contemporary bar, the property keeps things cosy through fire-lit corners and warm, wooden panels.

The Treetop Spa is reached via an internal staircase from the hotel, perched above Crawfordsburn Country Park with uninterrupted views across the tree canopy. From the moment the woodland comes into view, the pace begins to slow.


WHAT'S ON OFFER?

The changing suite is well-maintained and thoughtfully stocked — good-sized lockers, two generous showers, and a vanity area equipped with Dyson hairdryers and Galgorm's own Cora-branded products. Fluffy blue robes and flip-flops are provided, along with oversized dark blue towels that feel pleasingly substantial.

The thermal area sits entirely on an outdoor terrace - one of the spa's most distinctive features. A large hydrotherapy pool — big enough to swim a few strokes — sits alongside an outdoor hot tub for two, a glass-fronted salt sauna, a steam cabin, and a covered cabana with a heated double waterbed for those seeking shelter. We found it genuinely hard to leave the warm hydropool with its parkland tree canopy views.

The Conservatory makes the most of its elevated position: natural light, classical music tinkling in the background and woodland views combine to create a restful, unhurried atmosphere. Two heated marble loungers as well as eight wooden loungers with sheepskin rugs invite guests to take their time. A programme of wellness classes — yoga, Pilates and spin — is available, along with a generously-equipped hotel gym.


TREATMENT TALK

We tried the Bespoke Treatment (75 minutes, from £95).

Completing a consultation form via an iPad before our treatment, Josie, our therapist, met us in the Conservatory and led us to a treatment room dressed in sage and cream wallpaper, with low mood lighting and a heated treatment bed.

Josie’s guided breathwork to begin the session immediately set the tone. A hand and foot cleanse preceded the massage; towel placement given careful attention throughout. Josie worked methodically through areas of concern with real precision — tight muscles were targeted with a technique that felt both skilled and intuitive. Josie then began an Elemis Expert Touch Bespoke Facial, complete with eye gel patches and a scalp massage to close.

The result? The tension that had been sitting in the shoulders felt released, my skin felt hydrated and genuinely nourished. Josie then led me to the Conservatory where a yogurt and apple compote with sugary biscuit, and a sparkling water hit the post-treatment spot.

FOOD FACTS

Lunch is served in the 1614 Bar or The Restaurant, with guests needing to return to day wear in either setting. In the restaurant, wooden panels, tiled floors, cosy nooks and open fires give way to a light conservatory-style dining room with booths and open tables.

We took lunch the bar and made a beeline for the snug, with its bench seating, cushions and open fire. Our white onion and chive soup with toasted cheese and chutney soda bread was hearty and full of flavour.

Returning to The Restaurant for dinner, our Baked Atlantic Halibut with a parsley crust and mussel and herb chowder was beautifully executed — generous, locally sourced and expertly-cooked. A baked cheesecake with poached pear and hazelnut ice cream rounded things off nicely, while a glass of bubbles added a sense of occasion.

SWEET STAY?

Staying overnight, we checked into The Bay Tree Junior Suite with its standalone copper bath taking centre stage – we loved the bath bomb provided for a bit of bath-time ceremony.

Our super-king bed was dressed in Egyptian cottons; use the sleep pillow mist thoughtfully placed on the bedside table to drift off. You’ll find the complimentary minibar to one side and – for the morning – a Nespresso coffee machine. Our television was discreetly housed inside the wardrobe. Post-dinner, we retreated back to our suite for a deep copper bath, complete with herbal tea and calming music.

WE LOVED

Josie's treatment: the guided breathwork opening, intuitive approach to bodywork and seamless transition into the facial reflected a therapist of real skill. The ability to fully switch off and trust the process is not something every spa visit delivers.

The outdoor hydro pool: perched above Crawfordsburn Country Park, the hydropool - with its hot jets and forest views - is genuinely hard to leave.

The food: from the onion soup at lunch to the Atlantic Halibut at dinner, the kitchen delivers locally sourced ingredients with real care. The 1614 Bar is ideal for a pre- or post-dinner tipple.

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The Treetop Spa at The Old Inn a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 4 Bubbles for its expertly-delivered treatment, outdoor thermal facilities and high standard of food.